Press release
Tánaiste and Minister for Justice welcome adoption of the Ljubljana-Hague Convention
From Department of Justice; Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Justice; Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, and Minister for Justice, Simon Harris, have welcomed the adoption on Friday 26 May 2023 of a multilateral convention to facilitate the investigation and prosecution of the most serious international crimes.
The Ljubljana-Hague Convention has garnered the support of 80 countries, including Ireland. It will provide for greater international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and other international crimes. Cooperation will include extradition and mutual legal assistance in the collection of evidence and interview of witnesses. The Convention has a particular focus on victims’ rights.
Welcoming the adoption of the Convention, the Tánaiste said:
“Ireland is deeply committed to ensuring that those responsible for the most serious international crimes, including war crimes and crimes against humanity, are held accountable. By supporting investigations and prosecutions, this Convention further strengthens the fight against impunity for these crimes.”
Minister Harris said:
“Given the nature of these most serious crimes, suspects, victims, witnesses and evidence often cross borders. It is therefore paramount to ensure effective international legal cooperation at the global level. The Ljubljana-Hague Convention is an important step forward in this regard, and Ireland is committed to working with the international community to realise its full potential.”
Ireland played an active role in negotiations on the Convention on International Cooperation in the Investigation and Prosecution of Genocide, Crimes against Humanity, War Crimes and Other International Crimes (the Ljubljana-Hague Convention).
This initiative was first proposed in 2011 and negotiations began shortly afterwards. The new agreement is consistent with Ireland’s policy priority of ensuring accountability for the most serious international crimes.
The agreement will be subject to national ratification procedures.